FLEMING ISLAND – Upon walking into the Baptist Medical Center Clay on Fleming Island -- or any hospital, for that matter – few would expect a dining experience that arguably competes with the best restaurants in town.

Believe it or not, that’s what’s happening at the state-of-the-art hospital located that opened . that opened just two and a half months ago in mid-December.

That is because a sleek, chic cafeteria is inside the 300,000-square-foot mega facility.

The space is dominated by white-colored floors, walls, and surfaces, and that, coupled with artworks hanging from the wall in the large, two-roomed seating area behind the cash register, sets the scene for a high-end, elegant experience.

Outdoor seating is also available for those who want to enjoy a beautiful, breezy spring day.

The dining experience provides a luxury feel, but the experience is a cross between fine dining and blue-collar.

The experience truly gives the feel of a crossbreed between a fancy sit-down restaurant and a large, clean, chain-style convenience store. That’s because, along with typical food items cooked fresh-to-order, there is a large refrigerator chock-full of drinks and sodas and shelves full of chips, candy and other snacks.

Not only are there convenience options, but also a wide-ranging array of menu options featuring fair, affordable pricing for any budget.

That’s why so many are coming to the hospital to eat, not to seek medical attention.

Head to Baptist Medical Center for your next lunch. You will see a mix of a little bit of everybody at the cafeteria: construction workers, businessmen and businesswomen and retirees alike.

One of the popular specials includes lobster rolls. Find that at any other hospital.

Here, they enjoyed fast, friendly and quick service from cafeteria staff in one of the three following themed restaurants on the ground floor: The Grill and Co., which serves hot, freshly served sandwiches and American staple classics like hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, which includes a Salmon BLT.

Additional toppings can also be added, like caramelized or sautéed onions, cheese, bacon or all of the above. If you want to make it a meal, add in French or sweet potato fries and a drink – all for about $10. (Just don’t go upstairs and tell your cardiologist.)

We recommend The Grill and Co., but plenty of other options. The Butcher’s Block serves cold-cut sandwiches and Happy Hen’s Fried Chicken serves three varieties of poultry: wings, drumsticks, and spicy, crispy buffalo thighs. Your favorite southern side dishes are also available, including macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes and gravy, broccoli and green beans.

If you’re not that hungry or need a drink and snack for later to add to your order, grab it to go.

Nearly everything that meets the eye is available at the cafeteria. But if you’re looking for good eat, try one of the cafeteria’s gourmet hamburgers with fries and cold refreshments.

Baptist Clay president Darin Roark famously acclaimed the burgers as the best in town at the January Bridge-To-Bridge event. He also reminded residents the cafeteria is open to all residents.

It’s a bold claim, but the burger is melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The only way to truly know is to test the theory.